I still remember the key moment I decided that aviation was a schmucks games and is best left as a hobby. It was when I applied for my first mortgage, and the lady in the bank wanted to know my profession. There were two options, and this is what it said on her screen:
1) PROFESSIONAL (eg. Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Accountant)
2) SEMI-SKILLED (eg. Labourer, Construction worker, Pilot)